Manchester United made a “massive” decision this summer, it’s more important than transfers

Manchester United have made a “massive” decision this summer that could turn out to be more important to Erik ten Hag than the 2024 signings.

Bruno Fernandes has been a standout acquisition for Manchester United since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Recruited by Ole Gunnar Solskjær in January 2020, the Portuguese midfielder quickly rose to prominence, eventually becoming the team’s captain.

During his tenure at Old Trafford, Fernandes has appeared in 233 games, contributing 79 goals and 66 assists. He has also been instrumental in securing two trophies under Erik ten Hag’s leadership.

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At the age of 29, Fernandes is at the zenith of his playing career. His exceptional performances have drawn interest from major clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and teams in the Saudi Pro League.

However, Fernandes recently signed a new contract that ties him to United until 2027 with the option for a further year. Former United player Lee Sharpe has explained how his new deal is “massively important” for United.

“I think securing Bruno Fernandes to another contract has been massively important for Manchester United this summer,” Sharpe explained.

“I have criticised him in the past for giving the ball away cheaply in poor areas, but that seems to be fizzling out of his game, and he’s starting to really show his true potential. He’s played really well and has worked hard and he’s making the team thrive – it’s a big thing tying him down to a new contract.

“As far as captains go, I think he leads by example, covering every blade of grass on the pitch. That is sometimes to the detriment of the rest of the team, though, because he can try a bit too hard and gets himself out of position.

“But I don’t think there’s any questions surrounding his creativity and what he brings to the team. His goalscoring ability, his work ethic and his love for the club are all positive attributes, and I don’t think there’s a better captain in that team.”

There is certainly an argument to be made that keeping Fernandes at the club is a more important move than their four signings so far.

There is no doubt that the captures of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui are important buys for United going forward, but in keeping the Portuguese captain, they have secured themselves the face of their project.

As Sharpe explained, Fernandes leads by example, and by keeping him at Old Trafford, he will show the plethora of young talent coming through at United the best possible way to behave.

Fernandes’ new deal means Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and others will all have a star player and captain to look up to and someone to help guide them through the early years of their careers.

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